SSC MTS General Awareness Syllabus
Seventy-five marks, twenty-five questions, Session 2. This is the largest single block of marks in SSC MTS and it takes no calculation time in the exam hall at all.
It also carries a full mark deduction per error, which changes how you answer it. A half-remembered fact costs more than a blank.
Where it sits in the exam
Detail | Value |
Session | Session 2 |
Questions | 25 |
Marks | 75 |
Marks per question | 3 |
Negative marking | 1 mark |
Session duration | 45 minutes, shared with English |
What the Commission actually says
The notified syllabus is worth reading in its own words, because it sets the standard as much as the topics.
Questions test awareness of the environment around the candidate and its application to society. They cover current events and matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect. They cover India and its neighbouring countries, particularly art, culture, geography, economics, general polity, the Indian Constitution and scientific research.
The Commission adds that questions are set at a level that does not require special study of any discipline. That is a real constraint on how deep the questions go.
Topic breakdown
History
Ancient, medieval and modern India. The freedom struggle, major dynasties, important movements and well known dates.
Geography
Indian and world physical geography, rivers, mountains, states and capitals, climate, agriculture and national parks.
Polity and the Constitution
The Constitution, fundamental rights and duties, Parliament, the President and Prime Minister, states and the judiciary, at an introductory level.
Economics
Basic economic concepts, banking, budget, taxation and current government schemes.
General science
Physics, chemistry and biology at school standard, with everyday applications, the human body, nutrition and common diseases.
Static general knowledge
Art and culture, dances, festivals, monuments, books and authors, important days, national symbols, sports and organisations with their headquarters.
Current affairs
Usually the eight to twelve months before the exam. Schemes, appointments, awards, sports events and science and technology developments.
How to prepare
Read a daily newspaper from the first week of your preparation. There is no compressed version of this section, and it is the largest block of marks in the paper.
Anchor static facts to news. A scheme in the news carries its ministry, the constitutional basis behind it and the geography it applies to, and learning them as a group is what makes them stay.
Revise weekly. Everything learned in month one leaks away by month six without a review slot.
Answer only what you know. At one mark per error on a three mark question, an accuracy rate below about 70 per cent starts costing you more than the extra attempts earn.
Frequently asked questions
How many General Awareness questions are asked in SSC MTS?
25 questions for 75 marks, in Session 2.
Is there negative marking in SSC MTS General Awareness?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
How many months of current affairs are needed?
Usually the eight to twelve months before the exam, weighted towards the most recent six.
Does SSC MTS General Awareness include science?
Yes, at school standard, covering everyday scientific observation and experience.
Which section carries the most marks in SSC MTS?
General Awareness and English each carry 75 marks, the largest single blocks in the paper.
Topics, marks and negative marking on this page follow the scheme of examination in the latest SSC MTS and Havaldar notification published on ssc.gov.in.